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Hyperactive behavior in female rats in utero-exposed to group B Streptococcus-induced inflammation

Marie-Julie Allard1, Marie-Elsa Brochu2, Julie D Bergeron2

  • 1Department of pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience
|June 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection during pregnancy can cause neurobehavioral issues. Female rats exposed to GBS in utero showed hyperactivity and disinhibition after puberty, unlike males.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of maternal infections during pregnancy.
  • In utero exposure to GBS-induced placental inflammation has been linked to sex-specific forebrain injuries in offspring.
  • Sex differences are observed in various neuropsychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential sex-specific neurobehavioral impairments in rats following in utero exposure to GBS.

Main Methods:

  • Lewis rats were exposed to inactivated GBS or saline (controls) from gestational days 19-22.
  • Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted before puberty, during puberty, and in adulthood.
  • Evaluated parameters included spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behavior, anxiety, and motor task performance.

Main Results:

  • No significant behavioral differences were observed between GBS-exposed and control rats before puberty.
  • During puberty, female rats exposed to GBS performed worse on a forced motor task compared to controls.
  • In adulthood, GBS-exposed females exhibited increased locomotor activity and reduced inhibition, with no such effects observed in males.

Conclusions:

  • In utero exposure to GBS-induced inflammation results in a sex-specific hyperactive and disinhibited phenotype in adult female rats.
  • These neurobehavioral changes emerge after puberty, suggesting a delayed impact of prenatal GBS exposure.
  • The findings highlight the potential for prenatal GBS exposure to influence long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in a sex-dependent manner.

Keywords:
ChorioamnionitisDisinhibitionElevated-plus-mazeGroup B StreptococcusHyperactivityPlacental inflammationRatRotarodSex difference

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